Two years ago when Rivals.com visited Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville High School to check out prospects in the class of 2006, Tarblooder coach Ted Ginn made sure we had plenty of information on the player he dubbed "the next in line."

It is no surprise to Ginn that the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hines earned a spot to play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. The four-star outside linebacker/quarterback has played a key role in Glenville's success the past two seasons, and Ginn thinks he's a can't-miss elite college player.

"He's a guy that will probably be a WILL linebacker in college," Ginn said. "He's so talented that he got a lot of snaps at quarterback. He's such a great athlete that we have to find a way to get him on the field and get his hands on the ball or attacking the quarterback. He's next in line to be the next great player to come from Glenville. I personally think he's the top player in all of Ohio."

Hines said he was surprised and excited to be selected to play in the Jan. 4 game in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that will be carried live on ESPNU.

"To know that only 80 players from all over the country are going to play in the game - and finding out you were one of them - that's a really big honor," Hines said. "I was just excited to be one of the guys nominated. I never thought that something like this would happen. When I started to see other guys at Glenville play in All-America games, I was hoping I would also get a shot.

"And now I am."

Hines said he's ready to line up where ever the East coaching staff wants him. He played a lot of quarterback this season as Ginn said, but he also was an impact player at linebacker.

"People are going to see a player with a lot of speed and toughness," Hines said. "They're also going to see a kid that's mentally tough and knows how to be ready when the lights are turned on. This is going to be a great opportunity for me to test myself, and I'm ready for it."

Hines has a long list of suitors, but lists Michigan, West Virginia, Iowa, Louisville and Ohio State as his favorite teams. He has offers from all the teams, but Ohio State. He will take an unofficial visit to Columbus this weekend, and Hines just recently lined up a Dec. 8 official visit to Iowa.